PPD (post partum depression) Support Thread

I didn't see a thread like this (and i did do a search)...

I thought maybe we should/could start a thread like this to be bookmarked... I know i can't be the only newborn mommy wondering these things & needing support badly....and maybe if we can help each other - we can get through it all!!!

I actually had a few ?? about this...

How do you KNOW if you have PPD?

What are the treatment options?

How long does it typically last?

Do you see your REGULAR doctor for it or your ob???

edited to add support website from rachel/lehcar:
http://postpartumdepression.yuku.com/forum/view/id/6

Message edited 7/10/2009 7:30:13 AM.

Re: PPD Support Thread

I have posted quite a bit in the past about PPD and a great website that's a resource for those who think they may need the support. I'll bump it.

Re: PPD Support Thread

Ok, now that I bumped the other thread, I can answer your questions. If you are depressed, weepy, crying everyday, having thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, etc., you need to speak to your OB/GYN at your 2 week check up. Then, if those feelings persist beyond three weeks, a call to a psychologist or a psychiatrist is best.
I looked online for a checklist of things to see if I might have been suffering from PPD, however, I was feeling suicidal and would go days without eating, so it was pretty obvious to me that something wasn't right. I spoke to my OB/GYN at my 6 week check-up, and she knew from looking at me that something wasn't right. At the time, I was BFing, and she wouldn't prescribe me any medication, but she did give me the number of the most amazing therapist I have ever come across. She deals specifically with women suffering from PPD, and she even worked with me and charged me nothing because she wasn't on my insurance. Talking to her and anyone else that would listen was my saving grace. Knowing that I was not some freak of nature for feeling like I wanted to hurl my child out the window was such a huge relief.
PPD is such a taboo subject, and the more I talked about it, the more I found out that there were so many women who suffered the same feelings of despair, anxiety, suicide, depression, etc.
In the end, I stopped breast feeding and it seemed that evened my hormones out and brought me some relief from my PPD, but it was the therapy that really helped me more than anything.

I just want everyone to know that I am more than willing to share my story and my experiences and be an ear or a shoulder for someone who may be suffering the same thing.
It can be so lonely and isolating to have PPD, and I would hate for anyone to go through it alone. Please, PLEASE feel free to FM me at anytime if you need to talk (and that means anyone!)

Re: PPD Support Thread

THANK YOU!!

Re: PPD Support Thread

I just wanted to add something that someone might not think about. B/C I know that I sure didnt...

I had PPD with my twins that went untreated for years. I eventually figured things out on my own. Then went through a tough period in my life where I was treated for depression and anxiety....

After I had Caden I recognized the symptoms, spoke to my doctor, and was again treated for PPD...

Things truly didnt get any better for me..

It was until I was diagnosed with Hashimotos (HYPOTHYROID) that things began to get better for me. Apparently a hypothyroid can cause depression symptoms too...

For me it wasnt PPD the second time around that was causing my symptoms. But rather an underlying illness...

I just wanted to throw this out there for anyone who is maybe being treated for PPD but not feeling any better...

Re: PPD Support Thread

I'm so happy this thread has been started! And, at the perfect time for me. Over the last several weeks I've been noticing that I've been experiencing a lot of anger, frustration, overwhelming feelings, exhaustion, difficulty sleeping even when I'm exhausted, difficulty keeping my mind focused, etc. I was also starting to feel very emotionally disconnected from my family and friends. Like, I started to feel like people were angry with me (when they weren't) and like people didn't want to spend time with me. I have not have thoughts of harming DS at all, but I do have moments where I feel very angry and almost resentful that my life has been totally turned upside down since having DS and DH's life dosen't seem to have changed all that much (as far as his schedule goes). Last week I began researching some of the symtoms of PPD and I have some of the milder symptoms. But, I was trying to figure out if I am experiencing stress and not actually PPD. I was also confused about the way I've been feeling because DS is almost 10 months old. I haven't felt this way all the time. It's been mostly within the last 1-2 months. But, I've read online that PPD can develop at any time within the first year.

So, the other day I received a letter from DS's daycare indicating that I must change his schedule. Without getting into detail about the letter, I found myself totally blaming myself for not being there enough (I work full time) and feeling guilty that I don't have enough time to do it all. I took DH to the park this past week and there were a ton of SAH moms there who were playing with their kids and spending great quality time together. I, on the other hand, had to leave the park to take DS to daycare so I could go to work. I felt horrible.

Ironically, I am a therapist. So, it was hard for me to admit that I might need to talk to someone. I have the wonderful privaledge of working with some amazing therapists. So, I went to 2 amazing woman/therapists at my job (2 friends...one of which just had a baby as well.) They really helped me see that I am not totally out of my mind. They encouraged me to talk to DH which I did and it was a huge help! I will also be talkin to my OBGYN next week. I'm still not 100% sure that what I'm experiencing is PPD, but I can tell you that it's not the way I was feeling prior to becoming a mom. I also NEVER told anyone the way I was feeling as I found it to be shameful just like many other mom's feel. So, I'm hoping to find some additional support on this thread.

Thanks for starting it and I hope to get some feedback from some of the ladies who can provide some support.

Re: PPD Support Thread

i have never had feelings of wanting to harm Emma at all - but i get so frustrated and yes - i do get angry when she cries non stop for HOURS on end.

it's NOT helping that i'm currently still sick and on steroids. i KNOW that - but i'm wondering if what i'm feeling is PPD or just the steroids... that's part of my confusion. i can't properly express the love I have for her - but when she cries - it rips a hole in my heart.

I did talk to my doctor about it when i saw her and she wanted me cleared from the cardiologist to be given anything (my health issues stem from childbirth - lung/breathing/bp issues). I saw the cardio yesterday and i forgot to ask - but my heart is okay...so i'm calling her back tomorrow (my regular doc) and seeing what she suggests.

Emma is colicky - so she spends SO much time in a day crying. Today - it was not only the evening (witching hours) but in the morning too. Her total cry time today was roughly 7 hours total....and MINE was about 5-6 - because it just KILLED/KILLS me when she cries that badly. She was crying so badly that she was choking on all the air she was taking in and that sent me into HYSTERICAL sobs....which i KNOW doesn't help her...but i can't control it. I literally sat here - holding her - weeping out of control.... I feel so helpless when she cries - that i can't 'fix' her...

Re: PPD Support Thread

The first two weeks after DD was born was a very dark time for me. I was very anxious, nervous, depressed, and horribly sad at the same time. I cried all day every day, and could barely take care of DD. I had fantasies about running away in the middle of the night, and while I loved DD, I became envious of people who didn't have children, or who had older kids, bc I had no idea what to do w DD and was so scared. Most of all, I felt trapped and could not handle the fact that my life was so different. I hated BFing, and would shake when it was time to feed her. However, one day, about two weeks after DD was born, the cloud lifted and it was as if I never felt those feelings at all. I felt insanely guilty for having the feelings, but I don't anymore, bc it wasn't my fault, and it happens to so many people! I hope you find your peace somehow. One thing that really helped me was getting out of the house every day and walking or driving around with my DH and DD. I started telling family and friends to call before coming by and refused some people when they wanted to come over bc I had to get my routine together. Once I felt I had a routine, I felt so much more happy and normal. I accepted that my old life was gone, and was replaced with a much more busy, but more rewarding one!

Re: PPD Support Thread

o Jess I am so sorry, i myself am having a hard time this time, i had my 6 week appt. today and my dr said to wait until my grad school classes are done to see how I feel then he will refer me if I am still totally overwhelemed.. we are all here for the same reason! xoxoxoxoxo

Re: PPD (post partum depression) Support Thread

I had PPD after DS. I was surprised at how long it lingered, and I should have gotten help sooner.

I was depressed, anxious, had no appetite, and lacked interest in taking care of him. Did not want to harm him or myself, but dreamed of "running away". I wanted to get into my car and keep driving.

It didn't help matters that I HATED my job and things were bad when I went back when DS was 4 months old.

What helped me was therapy. Started when DS was 10 months old (should have went sooner) and it worked very very well.

Fortunately, I am now able to enjoy DS and feel so much better. But I am scared of having another one due to the fear of this happening again!
I wish people spoke about this more. Rachel has been so great with her support threads- they helped me a lot when I went through this last year.

Re: PPD (post partum depression) Support Thread

bumping so anyone knows that they're not alone.

i'm calling my doctor first thing tomorrow to make an appointment to get something....

tonight was a VERY, VERY, VERY bad night.

Re: PPD (post partum depression) Support Thread

Posted by davenjess

bumping so anyone knows that they're not alone.

i'm calling my doctor first thing tomorrow to make an appointment to get something....

tonight was a VERY, VERY, VERY bad night.

Re: PPD (post partum depression) Support Thread

Posted by davenjess

bumping so anyone knows that they're not alone.

i'm calling my doctor first thing tomorrow to make an appointment to get something....

tonight was a VERY, VERY, VERY bad night.

Re: PPD (post partum depression) Support Thread

Posted by davenjess

bumping so anyone knows that they're not alone.

i'm calling my doctor first thing tomorrow to make an appointment to get something....

tonight was a VERY, VERY, VERY bad night.

Re: PPD (post partum depression) Support Thread

I did not have PPD, however I was extremely hormonal after DD was born.

I would break down in tears frequently, and not out of frustration.

It was more out of feeling like I didn't deserve such a wonderful child, fears over my mom and MIL leaving and it being just me and DH to care for DD, fears over my first week back to work being a business trip and how was DH going to handle it, fears that I could never love another child as much as I loved DD so I shouldn't have any more, and a bunch of other stuff.

My OB gave me a medication that I could take when I wanted and within about 2 months, my body regulated itself, my hormones calmed the heck down and I adjusted to being a mom.

Re: PPD (post partum depression) Support Thread

Posted by davenjess

bumping so anyone knows that they're not alone.

i'm calling my doctor first thing tomorrow to make an appointment to get something....

tonight was a VERY, VERY, VERY bad night.

Re: PPD (post partum depression) Support Thread

Posted by Bubbs

I'm so happy this thread has been started! And, at the perfect time for me. Over the last several weeks I've been noticing that I've been experiencing a lot of anger, frustration, overwhelming feelings, exhaustion, difficulty sleeping even when I'm exhausted, difficulty keeping my mind focused, etc. I was also starting to feel very emotionally disconnected from my family and friends. Like, I started to feel like people were angry with me (when they weren't) and like people didn't want to spend time with me. I have not have thoughts of harming DS at all, but I do have moments where I feel very angry and almost resentful that my life has been totally turned upside down since having DS and DH's life dosen't seem to have changed all that much (as far as his schedule goes). Last week I began researching some of the symtoms of PPD and I have some of the milder symptoms. But, I was trying to figure out if I am experiencing stress and not actually PPD. I was also confused about the way I've been feeling because DS is almost 10 months old. I haven't felt this way all the time. It's been mostly within the last 1-2 months. But, I've read online that PPD can develop at any time within the first year.

So, the other day I received a letter from DS's daycare indicating that I must change his schedule. Without getting into detail about the letter, I found myself totally blaming myself for not being there enough (I work full time) and feeling guilty that I don't have enough time to do it all. I took DH to the park this past week and there were a ton of SAH moms there who were playing with their kids and spending great quality time together. I, on the other hand, had to leave the park to take DS to daycare so I could go to work. I felt horrible.

Ironically, I am a therapist. So, it was hard for me to admit that I might need to talk to someone. I have the wonderful privaledge of working with some amazing therapists. So, I went to 2 amazing woman/therapists at my job (2 friends...one of which just had a baby as well.) They really helped me see that I am not totally out of my mind. They encouraged me to talk to DH which I did and it was a huge help! I will also be talkin to my OBGYN next week. I'm still not 100% sure that what I'm experiencing is PPD, but I can tell you that it's not the way I was feeling prior to becoming a mom. I also NEVER told anyone the way I was feeling as I found it to be shameful just like many other mom's feel. So, I'm hoping to find some additional support on this thread.

Thanks for starting it and I hope to get some feedback from some of the ladies who can provide some support.

Message edited 7/17/2009 9:24:12 AM.

Re: PPD (post partum depression) Support Thread

Posted by davenjess

bumping so anyone knows that they're not alone.

i'm calling my doctor first thing tomorrow to make an appointment to get something....

tonight was a VERY, VERY, VERY bad night.

Re: PPD (post partum depression) Support Thread

I had PPD after both of my babies. I was suicidal and terribly anxious. I never had thoughts about harming my children but i had terrible thoughts about how to end my own life. I was very lucky that I had wonderful support and my bouts were extreme but short-lived as I am a very fast responder to medication.

I have read a lot about PPD- and I am very happy to talk to anyone. Please FM me and we can e-mail or talk on the phone if you think it would be helpful.

You are not alone, it is NOT your fault and it is ENTIRELY treatable. You WILL feel better after treatment.

Re: PPD (post partum depression) Support Thread

i have a doctor's appointment on Monday. Yesterday evening was so bad - i took a 2 year old xanax - i had to do something....

i feel like i'm 100% fine when she is fine - but when she loses it and cries for HOURS on end- i lose it and lose my fuse so quickly.... that is NOT me...i am normally one of the most patient people in the universe....so it upsets me and that doesn't help...

Re: PPD (post partum depression) Support Thread

I just did a search to see who else on this board has dealt with PPD in some form- it's so hard to say it out loud that I think I might have it

I just can't stand being home with DD anymore!
I confessed to DH last night that I had thoughts of hurting her yesterday- she keeps whining and crying and MY BRAIN knows it's her teething and she can't control it but I just can't deal with it in a comforting, calm way.


I screamed out loud yesterday after hours of dealing with her fussiness and I scared her so bad I made her cry I'm so ashamed of myself and I don't know what to do next.

DH wants me to call my OB/GYN but I think at 4 1/2 months post partum, I'm past that.

Any advice on what my next step should be?

Re: PPD (post partum depression) Support Thread

Posted by Arieschick29

I just did a search to see who else on this board has dealt with PPD in some form- it's so hard to say it out loud that I think I might have it

I just can't stand being home with DD anymore!
I confessed to DH last night that I had thoughts of hurting her yesterday- she keeps whining and crying and MY BRAIN knows it's her teething and she can't control it but I just can't deal with it in a comforting, calm way.


I screamed out loud yesterday after hours of dealing with her fussiness and I scared her so bad I made her cry I'm so ashamed of myself and I don't know what to do next.

DH wants me to call my OB/GYN but I think at 4 1/2 months post partum, I'm past that.

Any advice on what my next step should be?

Re: PPD (post partum depression) Support Thread

Posted by Arieschick29

I just did a search to see who else on this board has dealt with PPD in some form- it's so hard to say it out loud that I think I might have it

I just can't stand being home with DD anymore!
I confessed to DH last night that I had thoughts of hurting her yesterday- she keeps whining and crying and MY BRAIN knows it's her teething and she can't control it but I just can't deal with it in a comforting, calm way.


I screamed out loud yesterday after hours of dealing with her fussiness and I scared her so bad I made her cry I'm so ashamed of myself and I don't know what to do next.

DH wants me to call my OB/GYN but I think at 4 1/2 months post partum, I'm past that.

Any advice on what my next step should be?

Re: PPD (post partum depression) Support Thread

Posted by MrsRbk


The fussiness only compounds it, it's awful.

I agree with the PP, it's not too late to call your OB, they will have resources available for you to call. Even your hospital might have a PPD support hotline.



When we left our hospital, they gave my husband a sheet of paper with signs to look for with PPD and the number to their hotline.

In the meantime, is there anyone that can come help you a couple of days a week, just to give you a break?

Re: PPD (post partum depression) Support Thread

Okay, that's good that he's home and that you will be with help next week too.

As far as your marriage, it had it's ROUGH spots. I think though that your husband needs to understand what PPD really is and how it affects you. My husband was actually the one watching me like a hawk and telling me he thought that is what was going on with me. Unfortunately, men really don't understand. I'm not saying that in a derogatory way, but it's true. My husband had this notion that as soon as they pulled DD out of me, that all my crazy pregnancy hormones would be gone and I'd be back to the normal sane woman he married. He was NOT prepared for the aftermath of pregnancy hormones! While he has a better understanding of it now, he still does not "get it"